Close Reading for Literary Analysis

Will you:

Learning this technique will help you develop a deep, precise understanding of what you read. It will also prepare you to write a meaningful response to literature.

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Here's what you will need to begin:

-Your independent reading book or photocopied short story
-A pack of sticky notes
-A pencil and a highlighter

Next, follow these steps:

1. Choose a chapter in your book that you want to reread, or choose a page or two in your short story that seemed important or interesting.

2. Prepare five sticky notes.

-On the first sticky note, draw a rectangle big enough to write a few words inside. You will use this note to mark unknown words or phrases.

-On the second sticky note, draw a circle big enough to write a few words inside. You will use this note to mark key words or important details.

-On the third sticky note, draw a question mark. You will use this note to write down questions that you have about what you're reading.

-On the fourth sticky note, write the word "Conflict." You will use this note to record the conflict (the problem or struggle faced by the main character or characters).

-On the fifth sticky note, draw a big "S." You will use this note to write a brief summary.

3. Reread the chapter/section that you selected in your book or short story. As you read, fill in your sticky notes, and stick them to the part of the page that corresponds to your note. Use your highlighter to emphasize words or phrases on your sticky notes that you found especially important.

4. Take a picture of your annotated text.

5. Using your annotated text, write a response to your book or story using this guide: